Chia seeds have become one of the most popular superfoods in the health community. They are easy to digest when prepared properly, and are a very versatile ingredient that easily adds to recipes.Chia seed is obtained most commonly from Salvia hispanica of the Lamiaceae family. Other plants referred to as "chia" include "golden chia" (Salvia columbariae) and the flowering herbaceous perennial Salvia polystachya, which is rarely cultivated and the seeds are not used. The seeds of Salvia columbariae are used medicinally and for food.

Originally grown in Mexico, the seeds were highly valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value. In fact, they were even used as currency!The chia seed is nutrient dense and packs a punch of energy boosting power. Aztec warriors ate chia seeds to give them high energy and endurance. They said just one spoonful of chia could sustain them for 24 hours. Chia means "strength" in the Mayan language, and they were known as "runners food" because runners and warriors would use them as fuel while running long distances or during battle.Not only that, but recent research has found that the chia seed benefits are even greater than we realized. Chia seed benefits include promoting healthy skin, reducing signs of aging, supporting the heart and digestive system, building stronger bones and muscles and more. Now they have even been linked to healing diabetes. Continue reading for possible side effects, preparation instructions and a complete list of benefits and nutrients.Salvia hispanica, or the chia plant, is a species in the mint family that is native to Central America. The seeds of this herb are known as “chia seeds” and they have gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years.

Not only are they gluten/grain free naturally, but a single serving is reported to have:

as much calcium as a glass of milk

more Omega-3s than a serving of walnuts

as many antioxidants as blueberries.

Did you know that consuming chia seed can reduce back pain? Are you aware that chia seeds can help lower your cholesterol levels?

Poor health is the result of lifestyle and unhealthy food. Chia seed is a single material that can treat various diseases. Here are the benefits of chia seeds for health that you should know.Being rich in so many key nutrients, research has uncovered that regularly eating chia seed can improve your health in numerous ways. Some of the top chia seed benefits are:

1. Anti Inflammation

One of the benefits of chia seed is quite important is as an anti-inflammatory. The word 'chia' comes from the word 'chian', which means oily. Chia seed is oily seeds that are equipped with essential fatty acids omega-3. As one of the richest vegetable source of omega-3 and alpha-linolenic acid, chia seed treating various health disorders. Chia seed against free radicals, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Include chia seeds in your diet and say goodbye to your body aches.

2. Mineral

Chia seed is a storehouse of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. All minerals are very important for the functioning of the body's right and fight high blood pressure. They also provide enough energy for the body's metabolic processes. Chia seeds are a delicious secret to obtain immunity.

3. Fiber Rich

Dietary fiber helps reduce cholesterol, inflammation and constipation. Chia seeds are a source of dietary fiber which is very good. Two tablespoons of chia seed provides more than a third of the required daily intake of fiber. The regular intake will end your problems while on the toilet.

4. Nature of Antioxidants

Maybe you already know the benefits of chia seed this one. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from pigmentation, carcinogenic cells and slow the onset of aging. So just by chewing chia seed and say goodbye to expensive anti-wrinkle cream you.

5. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

The benefits of chia seed Equally important is to control blood sugar levels. Increased blood sugar levels is one of many major health problems today. Chia seed is one of the best foods to control blood sugar levels. Chia seeds help reduce insulin resistance in the body. They are something that you must have if you want to cure your diabetes.

6. Effects glut

Satiety center has a special place in the brain, which tells whether your stomach is full or not. Center satiety control hunger and satiety, and can help regulate appetite. The combination of fiber, protein and other nutrients, are all responsible for satiating effects of chia seed. Consuming chia seed is a healthy way to snack.

7. Gluten-Free

Chia seeds do not contain gluten, which can cause a number of diseases, including celiac, which damage the lining of the intestine. Chia seed is a healthy alternative to replace foods rich in gluten.

8. Source of Protein Very Good

Protein is one of the most important nutrients needed each person. Chia seed contains not only the amount of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is the highest among the other plants, but they are also the richest source of vegetable protein. These are foods that should be owned by vegetarians. Chia seed is a perfect substitute for eggs and meat in your diet.

9. Easy To digested

One of the benefits of chia seed for the health of the most effective is that they are easily digestible, unlike other grains are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and minerals. So you do not need to grind chia seeds advance to obtain nutrients.

10. Dyslipidemia

Chia seed contains the amount of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids are high, both of which help reduce cholesterol . Chia seed increases good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. Include always chia seeds in your diet to maintain a healthy heart.

Dietitian and Health Nut chooses chia seeds as a top pick because of their overall nutrition package including: healthy fats, fiber, and minerals. In fact, just one tablespoon of chia seeds provides nearly 20 percent of your daily fiber goals. Plus, chia seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, which are a type of fat that the body needs to function that must come from food. Try stirring in a tablespoon of chia seeds into tea, juice or milk for a nutrient boost! Or thanks to their water absorbing properties, chia seeds are great for making pudding. Chia seeds make an incredibly healthy—and often unnoticeable—addition to many foods.

Here are some great ways to enjoy chia seeds:

They can be eaten raw. (They have a nice "nutty" flavor.)

They can be soaked in fruit juice (in Mexico, they call this "chia fresca").

They're perfect in porridges and puddings.

They make an ideal addition to baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

How Many Chia Seeds Should You Eat? Expertise recommend two daily doses of about 20 g each (1.5 ounces total).